Italy 2-1 Albania: Player ratings as holders begin Euro 2024

Italy’s European Championship defense kicked off with a resilient comeback victory against a determined Albania on Sunday.

The Azzurri conceded a goal in the opening minute but quickly regrouped to turn the game around, starting their Euro 2024 campaign with a win.

Under Sylvinho’s management, Albania kept the pressure on Italy but ultimately lacked the individual talent to capitalize, leading to their defeat.

Italy nearly equalized immediately when Gianluca Scamacca’s clever flick found Lorenzo Pellegrini at the edge of the box, but his unbalanced shot went wide.

https://youtu.be/lrNDtP0i1KQ?si=LJ8KHXjVd7C2HlES

The equalizer came 11 minutes in. From a short corner, Pellegrini delivered a superb cross to Bastoni at the back post, whose header left goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha helpless.

Shortly after, Italy took the lead. Scamacca’s deflected shot was cleared by Jasir Asani, but Nicolo Barella’s first-time half-volley from the edge of the box found the bottom corner.

In the second half, Albania tried to slow the game, but Italy continued to create the best chances. Strakosha denied Frattesi with a quick save, and Chiesa curled a shot wide.

In the final minute of regulation, Albania missed a crucial chance to equalize. Kristjan Asllani’s perfect ball over Italy’s defense found Rey Manaj, but his lob bounced off Donnarumma’s hip, and Italy held on for the win.

**Player Ratings:**

**RB: Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6/10** – Balanced defense and attack, sometimes joining the back three and at other times pushing forward.

**CB: Alessandro Bastoni – 7/10** – Recovered from an early lapse with a crucial equalizing header.

**CB: Riccardo Calafiori – 7/10** – Excelled in his role, showing both elegance and effectiveness, which explains Juventus’ interest in him.

**RW: Federico Chiesa – 8/10** – Delivered an electrifying performance, consistently troubling the Albanian defense. Juventus’ decision to consider selling him is puzzling.

**AM: Davide Frattesi – 6/10** – Strong early performance but his impact faded as the game progressed.

**LW: Lorenzo Pellegrini – 8/10** – Versatile and influential, linking play across the frontline and midfield, contributing to Italy’s attacking moves.